1997 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2004 BMW 318
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,666 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette (345 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 197 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 318 weights approximately 80 kg more than 1997 Chevrolet Corvette.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette (475 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 275 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318. 2004 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1997 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 1997 Chevrolet Corvette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Corvette | 2004 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | BMW |
| Model | Corvette | 318 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5666 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 345 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 475 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 63 L |
